Oceanside’s Save-On-Foods Generals held a press conference Friday and charted a new course for the local Junior hockey club.
The club announced its two latest signings, including home grown D-man Noah Russi, 16.
“I’m pumped,” said Noah, “its a great opportunity.”
The team took another step forward with its main sponsor Save-On-Foods, but the biggest news of the afternoon came when longtime Generals’ bench boss Dave Johnston announced he was handing the reigns over to five year assistant coach Jason Dubyna.
Dubyna has been with the club for seven seasons including two as a player.
Johnston will retain the role of GM, and take the helm of the newly created job of Director of Business and Hockey Operations.
“Jason has more than earned the opportunity to be a head coach at this level,” Johnston said, adding, “we have all the confidence in the world in him as a coach ... for me loyalty is a huge part of it. Jason has been just that, so to do this ... I’m proud to hand it over. “
Johnston has been an ironman on the bench and on the business side of hockey for the local Junior hockey club, having coached the squad of Junior Bs for 13 seasons including two Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League Island Championships, the last seven straight as GM and head coach.
sports@pqbnews.com